Passive House Project: Energy Efficiency with EPS Insulation

Learn how Hammer and Hand's Pumpkin Ridge Passive House Project utilized EPS foam insulation to achieve superior energy efficiency. Discover how EPS foam contributes to a higher passive house rating, creating a comfortable and sustainable living space for occupants while minimizing environmental impact.

Hammer and Hand Project Lead Peter Bogart and Lead Carpenter Val Darrah take the time to document their Pumpkin Ridge Passive House project in North Plains, OR.

“Passive House (also known by the German Passivhaus) is the world’s most stringent building energy standard, so the home will enjoy revolutionary energy performance, with heating energy demand at just 10% that of a conventional home.”*

The use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam for insulation is one factor that adds to the Passive House rating of this energy-efficient home. First, four inches of sub-grade flowable fill is used to create a smooth, even, flat surface for the additional four inches of EPS foam that will be secured atop it. This creates a sturdy foundation to work on while maintaining the overall targeted thermal value of the structure. The concrete base of the house is also encased in lower density six-inch foam. Spray foam adhesive is used to adhere the foam to the structural sheathing, which will create an airtight seal when applied directly to the waterproofing of the foundation.

The walls of the house are then mounted with two layers of EPS foam. The two layers of foam blocks (one at 2 inches, one at 4 inches) are staggered so the seams are securely covered and thus airtight.

A higher density EPS foam is also used in front of door openings, where the actual door will be placed on top of the foam for better efficiency and to optimize the performance of the door. This higher density foam—the same that was used for the footing of the foundation—is used here since it can hold heavier loads than that of lesser density.

EPS foam is lightweight, recyclable, energy and cost efficient and can be ordered in standard blocks or pre-cut into specific sizes and shapes for quick and efficient installation.

View ICA’s EPS PRODUCTS.

*Visit http://hammerandhand.com for full story.

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This article was posted on January 22, 2013, by Insulation Corporation of America (ICA) – a Women-Owned manufacturer of Geofoam and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which is commonly but mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam™. ICA is located in Allentown, PA and services the entire Mid-Atlantic Region from Virginia to Maine to Ohio.

 

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